May 21, 2008

Barber's new status

Cowboys running back Marion Barber, who signed a seven-year, $45 million contract on Tuesday, returned to Valley Ranch and participated in his first OTA on Wednesday.Barber had been training in Miami and was torn from being away from his teammates. He signed his deal at agent Drew Rosenhaus’ house in Miami and flew back to Dallas Tuesday night. Barber is now the team’s starting running back and no longer burdened with questions about whether he should be the starter.Barber, who has four career starts, was shocked at the millions in his deal, which included $16 million in guaranteed money.“As long as you take care of yourself in the offseason and stay on top of your game and remember how you get here I think it’s only going to make you better as a player.”

Barber, who is usually too shy to talk extensively with the media, talked at his locker for several minutes Wednesday. And Barber actually seemed more comfortable than normal in front of cameras. Maybe media-savvy Rosenhaus is working with his client.